Community ENABLE Funding (CEF) Programme
Fair, flexible finance for businesses that can’t always access mainstream lending.
CEF
CEF will open for applications during August 2026. If, after reading the details on this page, you are interested in applying for CEF, please register your interest by emailing cef@socialinvestmentscotland.com, and we will notify you when the fund opens for applications. In your email, please note the local authority area of your main trading/ business base and your main business/ trading address postcode.
What is Community ENABLE Funding Programme (CEF)?
The Community ENABLE Funding Programme (CEF) is delivered in Scotland through Social Investment Scotland's accreditation under the British Business Bank's Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS). The Growth Guarantee Scheme provides the government-backed guarantee that supports lending, while Community ENABLE Funding helps direct that support towards businesses and communities that are often underserved by mainstream finance.
Community ENABLE Funding supports micro, small and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs), including Limited Companies, Sole Traders or Partnerships that may struggle to secure finance from traditional lenders, helping them access the investment they need to grow, create jobs and strengthen their communities.
The fund is aimed at viable businesses that:
- Have been unable to access mainstream lending
- Are looking to grow, invest or improve resilience
- Are based in the following pilot areas within underserved communities across Scotland (until December 2026), including Glasgow City, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, and Argyll and Bute (within eligible postcode areas).
Following the pilot period, it is hoped the fund will become available to eligible postcode areas Scotland-wide.
* Please note that Growth Guarantee Scheme-backed facilities are provided at the discretion of Social Investment Scotland, and we are required to undertake our standard credit and fraud checks for all applicants.
What can it be used for?
Businesses may be able to use funding for:
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Expansion and growth
Supporting businesses to grow operations, increase capacity, enter new markets or launch new products and services.
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New premises or fit-out
Helping businesses secure, renovate or fit out commercial premises to support growth and improve customer experience.
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Equipment and stock
Providing funding for essential equipment, tools, technology or stock needed to strengthen and scale the business.
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Recruitment and job creation
Supporting businesses to create new jobs, grow teams and invest in skills and workforce development.
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Working capital
Helping businesses manage day-to-day cash flow, improve resilience and invest confidently in future growth.
Eligibility Criteria include the following:
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Business Type:
The programme is open to Micro, Small and Medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) that are Limited Companies, Sole Traders or Partnerships;
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Based in a Pilot Area:
The borrower must be carrying out trading activity in Glasgow City, Inverclyde, West Dunbartonshire, North Ayrshire, South Ayrshire, East Ayrshire, and Argyll and Bute (within eligible postcode areas);
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Turnover limit:
The scheme is open to smaller businesses with a turnover of up to £45m (on a group basis, where part of a group); -
Viability test:
Social Investment Scotland must consider that the borrower has a viable business proposition;
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Business in difficulty:
The borrower must not be a business in difficulty, including not being in relevant insolvency proceedings;
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Subsidy limits:
Borrowers will need to provide written confirmation that receipt of the CEF facility will not mean that the business exceeds the maximum amount of subsidy they are allowed to receive. All borrowers in receipt of a subsidy from a publicly funded programme should be provided with a written statement, confirming the level and type of aid received.
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Please note, the following are not eligible under CEF:
- Property investment and development (trades-based businesses and small construction companies are eligible)
- Services delivered by local government schemes such as education, local welfare, sports, local leisure and cultural facilities
- Gambling
- Tobacco - either involved in the distribution of or solely derived from the sale of tobacco
- Ethically unsound businesses.
Supported by our partners
Why work with SIS?
We are a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) with more than 25 years’ experience delivering responsible, impact-led lending.
Since 2001, we have invested nearly £170 million in around 600 organisations across the UK.
We understand that some businesses with strong potential can fall outside traditional lending criteria, and we work closely with businesses to provide fair, flexible and relationship-led finance.
Legal notice
Community ENABLE Funding Programme (CEF) and the Growth Guarantee Scheme (GGS) are managed by the British Business Bank on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. British Business Bank plc is a development bank wholly owned by HM Government. It is not authorised or regulated by the PRA or the FCA.
Visit - www.british-business-bank.co.uk
Business Guidance
The British Business Bank’s Business Guidance pages have a range of guidance and resources for businesses, including information on how to manage your cashflow and where to find independent advice.
Become a partner
Social Investment Scotland works alongside business support organisations, ecosystem partners and finance brokers to help businesses access the right funding.
If you are:
- A broker or intermediary
- A support organisation interested in referrals
Please register your interest by email to cef@socialinvestmentscotland.com, using the subject ‘Partner’.
Want to apply?
If you are interested in applying for CEF, please register your interest by emailing cef@socialinvestmentscotland.com, and we will notify you when the fund opens for applications. In your email, please note the local authority area of your main trading/ business base and your main/ business trading address postcode.